Natural food remedies for winter wellbeing

Each winter, the common cold accounts for more time lost from work and school than any other complaint. For an instant pick-me-up, Recipe Finder recommends a soothing bowl of chicken soup, or "Jewish penicillin", for its proven healing powers.

Clear and warming chicken soup has long been thought to help in the treatment of coughs, colds and winter flus, according to mothers from around the world. Now scientists think they know why.

Research shows chicken soup can help you feel better — it's not a myth. The hot soup thins mucus, clears up phlegm and soothes sore throats.

This recipe follows the traditional method of making a clear soup and starts with the bones and vegetables for flavour and minerals. It's one of those recipes that you put on and leave to simmer at the back of the cook top while you do other things. For an added boost, try adding a little chopped fresh chilli or grated ginger which acts as a natural decongestant.

Click here for the ultimate chicken soup recipe

Natural remedies for winter wellbeing

There's no cure for the common cold but these old-fashioned remedies relieve symptoms and can shorten the duration:

Tea with lemon and honey Like soup, the hot liquid helps break up congestion and liquify mucus.

Vitamin C Try 1000 mg when you first notice symptoms, then 500mg every day you’re unwell.

Zinc An immune system enhancer. Over winter, keep up your intake of lean red meat (3-4 times a week), seafood, nuts and legumes.

Tea tree or encalyptus oil Use in an oil burner to clear nasal passages.

Look after yourself

If you have a cold, stay warm, go to bed early, drink plenty of fluid (like our broth) and try to stay away from others to avoid spreading the virus. If you have something more serious, don’t "soldier on". Put yourself to bed, drink about two litres of fluid a day, take paracetamol every four hours and rest. If you’re not better after two or three days, see your doctor for advice.

Click here for our mouth-watering slideshow of soup and stew recipes

YOUR SAY: Any great tips or remedies for alleviating the common cold? Share them below.

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